Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that trap the Sun’s radiation on Earth, preventing heat from escaping into space. This natural warming effect is necessary for the Earth to retain heat. However, excessive greenhouse gases from human activities cause more solar heat to be trapped. Despite ongoing debates on the issue of climate change, there is unanimous consensus in the scientific community that humans are the cause of increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions leading to climate change. The United Nation Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a panel of more than 2,500 scientists, predicts that a warming beyond the threshold 2 degrees Celsius will have significant impacts relating to sea level rise, extreme rainfall patterns and food production. With increasing awareness of human environmental impacts, all industries across sectors are looking for more sustainable options.

In Hong Kong, the supply of electricity is primarily generating from coal fire generators. It is one of the major causes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Operation of buildings accounts for about 89% of the total electricity consumption in the territories. Therefore, promoting energy efficiency in buildings is an effective measure to reduce greenhouse gas emission and help alleviate climate change.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has launched the HK Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings as well as Building Energy Codes (BECs) to benchmark sustainable design with respect of energy efficiency of building services installations in buildings.

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